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I have a Martin D35 with a bowed neck. It has the tube neck reinforcement.
I plan to heat the fingerboard the allow the glue to release slightly and clamp it to hold the new position until the glue resets.

Now, two questions: Is this the right approach? Do I want to shot for flat or do I want a slight back bow?

Since this is my first attempt at this kind of repair, any other tip will be welcome.

cecil

NO NO NO
This is designed to be compression fretted. Heating really won't work with this. What you do is use a tang that pushes on the fret slot. That springs the neck. You need a set of compression fret wire with tang widths from .0185 to .0245. The thinned wire may be used over the extension. Then start with the 24.5 at fret 10 - 6 -4 and see if the neck moves. You want to see a slight back bow start from about the 7th fret to the nut of .006 to .009 , if nothing happens as the heaviest from 8 7 and see what you have then use .0205 and .0225 or .0195 and watch the neck.
I will tend to go on the square tube to .090 and then string up for a week to let the barbs set , then I level sand the frets with the head stock supported and 10lb on the body , this will get you close. I had an article in Guitarmaker a few issues back about compression fretting.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Thanks John, once again you've saved my bacon. I don"t recall ever seeing a source for compression fret wire. Could you direct me to a supplier?

Thanks, once again for the rescue,

cecil